NCJ Number
155689
Date Published
1993
Length
114 pages
Annotation
This study compared the characteristics and backgrounds of 249 Hispanic gang members and non-gang members living in Los Angeles County.
Abstract
Hispanic gangs are overwhelmingly male; most gang members are brought in by a friend or relative. The gang members most active in the leadership, criminal activities, violence, and drug trafficking tend to school dropouts. All respondents, both gang members and non-gang members, are proud of their Hispanic heritage and all feel that they are discriminated against based on their ethnic identity. Gang members, compared to non-gang members, tend to have more friends involved in gangs; are more likely to have been previously victimized by gang violence; more frequently use drugs; have unrealistic job expectations; have low self-esteem; and have been arrested or stopped by the police. 19 figures, 2 tables, and 1 appendix